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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A person with notable technical skill in the performance of music.






2. A repeating phrase that is played at the end of each verse in the song.






3. Includes all twelve notes of an octave.






4. The raising and lowering a pitch of an instrument to produce the correct tone of a note.






5. A group of 4 instruments - two violins - a viola - and cello.






6. Male singers who were castrated to preserve their alto and soprano vocal range.






7. Groups of tones that are harmonious when sounded together as in a chord.






8. A composition written for three to six voices. Beginning with the exposition - each voice enters at different times - creating counterpoint with one another.






9. Word to indicate that the movement or entire composition is to be played grandly.






10. A direction in sheet music indicating the tempo is to be very fast.






11. Arrangement of music for a combined number of instruments.






12. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






13. A musical composition that has a romantic or dreamy character with nocturnal associations.






14. A form of music written for marching in two-step time. Originally the march was used for military processions.






15. Direction to performer to play a composition in a brisk - lively - and spirited manner.






16. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






17. A period in history during the 18th and early 19th centuries where the focus shifted from the neoclassical style to an emotional - expressive - and imaginative style.






18. A group singing in unison.






19. A symbol indicating that the note is to be diminished by one semitone.






20. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






21. Closing section of a movement.






22. Harsh - discordant - and lack of harmony. Also a chord that sounds incomplete until it resolves itself on a harmonious chord.






23. The piece of cane in wind instruments. The players cause vibrations by blowing through it in order to produce sound.






24. The first violin in an orchestra.






25. Repetition of a single tone.






26. Indicating speed.






27. Vocal composition written for three or more solo parts - usually without instrumental accompaniment.






28. Three to four movement orchestral piece - generally in sonata form.






29. A set of seven musicians who perform a composition written for seven parts.






30. A dirge - hymn - or musical service for the repose of the dead.






31. Often used in overtures - a composition that uses passages from other movements of the composition in its entirety.






32. A 19th century square dance written for 4 couples.






33. Convenient method of numbering a composer's works where a number follows the word 'opus'.For example - Opus 28 - No. 4.






34. A style of male singing where by partial use of the vocal chords - the voice is able to reach the pitch of a female.






35. Three note chords consisting of a root - third - and fifth.






36. A musical form where the principal theme is repeated several times. The rondo was often used for the final movements of classical sonata form works.






37. A portion of the range of the instrument or voice.






38. A style of singing which is characterized by the easy and flowing tone of the composition.






39. An extended cantata on a sacred subject.






40. Initially an improvised cadence by a soloist; later becoming an elaborate and written out passage in an aria or concerto - featuring the skills of an instrumentalist or vocalist.






41. A direction to play lively and fast.






42. Elaborate polyphonic composition of the Boroque and Renaissance periods.






43. The opening section of a piece of music or movement.






44. A successive transposition and repetition of a phrase at different pitches.






45. The voice between soprano and alto. Also - in sheet music - a direction for the tempo to be played at medium speed.






46. A symbol used in musical notation indicating to gradually quicken tempo.






47. A harmonic given off by a note when it is played.






48. A short light musical drama.






49. A mild glissando between two notes for an expressive effect.






50. Dull - monotonous tone such as a humming or buzzing sound. Also a bass note held under a melody.